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Author
Topic: Reaction to Niacin (Read 3759 times)

I was prescribed Niacin 500mg taking 2 capsules daily at night to control cholesterol and triglycerides and have been taking the medication for about 6 months with no problems. I am not saying it is ok to drink but I really enjoy a scotch, glass of wine or a martini at night to unwind from a day at work. Up until a few weeks ago when I have a drink my skin in my face, ears, arms and chest feel like a small fire is under my skin and that is just one sip. I spoke with a couple of Dr's and they had no idea what was happening and their only comeback to me was "don't drink" to me that was an asinine comment to a problem. So I talked to pharmacist and we went over my medications and there it was NIACIN, I stopped taking the Niacin and instantly that night I had no more bad reactions. To supplement the Niacin I am eating oatmeal for breakfast and problem solved.

Yes I have changed brands and had the same results. My doctors were stumped and asked me that if I find out the reason to let them know. I also found out that Niacin works with the liver and some HIV meds are also known to be hard on the liver, so for me Niacin was just fueling a potential problem because I like to have a drink at night. It is advised not to take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while taking this Niacin.

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SFscruff

Niacin also can adversely affect renal function, especially when diuretic liquids are being ingested and potentially nephrotoxic medications are concomitantly administered. A buddy tried over the counter niacin a few years ago and his blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels shot up significantly. His HDL rose and triglycerides dropped during the two years he was taking niacin, but... When he went back and compared his renal function labs when he was not taking niacin to when he was, a pretty stunning correlation appeared. He stopped the niacin and within three months, his kidney functions were back to his pre-niacin levels. He doesn't drink regularly, but he's a big coffee drinker and is taking Viread. So many factors to consider.

Niacin has very strong flushing/burning activities that are made worse by other things such as drink. Your doctor should have known that, it is the single worst side effect of taking niacin!

R

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I took prescription Niacin for about a month. I simply could not tolerate the burning sensations it caused, they prevented me from sleeping, or doing much of anything. It wasn't just annoying, it was painful.

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Never make someone else your whole world when to them you are just an option.

My doctor wanted me to take Niacin to help with my cholesterol and Triglycerides levels. I bought some but didn't realize their is a flushing and non-flushing type you can buy. I by chance picked the flushing type. Anyway I took it and thought I was on fire.... my face, ears etc go so hot and red. I actually thought I might be having a heart attack; of course never having had one I didn't know what one would feel like anyway. Bottom line it scared the HELL out of me. I stopped it right away, I eat oatmeal everyday and take my fish oil tablets instead. I'm now always in the "normal" range but at the high end, I told my doctor that I will just have to live with that bit of success.

Hey Billy Iam also on Niacon,I have the same symptems. My Doc gave me a paper stating that I would have flushing,Oh boy I thought it meant hot flashes until it happened,that shit sucksanyway he told me to get mettimucill tablets. I'm gonna go get some and then I'll let you know if it works.